NORMAN MARTIN SMOLINSKI

Norman Martin Smolinski, 86, of Alpena, passed away on Oct. 25, 2024, at his winter home in Arizona.

Norman was born on May 4, 1938, to the late Martin and Anna (Lewandowski) Smolinski of Alpena. This is where he grew up and graduated from Catholic Central High School. Norm then began his career at Presque Isle Corporation. Soon after, he met the love of his life, Blondine (Dziesinski) Smolinski and they married on May 14, 1960, at St. Mary Catholic Church in Alpena. Norm and Blondine enjoyed doing everything together, and that included raising their three children. They were active members of All Saints Parish.

After 42 years, Norm retired from Presque Isle Corporation as Purchasing Agent and Blondine soon followed him in retirement as Alpena County Clerk in the year 2000. The two of them spent winters in Arizona and shared wonderful friendships & memories for many years in the Mesa area. After Blondine passed away in October of 2014, he continued to spend winters in Arizona and the summers in Michigan.

Dad/Papa loved to spend time with his kids and grandkids and regularly sent them thoughtful cards, notes or texts. His family was always so important to him! Dad had a passion for many other things and he truly cherished his strong Catholic faith, his Polish heritage, a special love of music, dancing the polka with mom, going to the Posen Potato Festival, golfing, gardening, growing beautiful flowers, canning vegetables & salsa, playing euchre & other games, going to the casino, and he also loved to celebrate and decorate during the Christmas season. History and “traditions” were so important to dad and he has proudly passed that on to all three of his children/spouses and grandkids. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. We will always remember him saying “Bog’ Zaplac”.

Surviving are his three children, Gina (Matt) Moorman, Brad (Dawn) Smolinski, Kristina (G.R.) Schrotenboer; seven grandchildren, Monica (Logan) Smith, Ryan Moorman, Tyler (Ashley) Moorman, Autumn Egan, Faith Egan, Zach (fiance Casey) Schrotenboer, Kristen Schrotenboer; four great-grandchildren, Brock Smith, Lydia Smith, Elijah Moorman, Olivander Egan; sister-in-law, June Smolinski; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Norm Smolinski was preceded in death by his wife, Blondine, on Oct. 29, 2014, and also his three siblings, Ed (Donna) Smolinski, Florence (Ed) Kaczorowski, and Ralph Smolinski.

Memorial visitation will take place at St. Anne Church of All Saints Parish on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024, from 10 a.m. until the time of the Mass of Christian Burial at noon with Fr. Tyler Bischoff officiating. Cremation arrangements have been handled by the Bannan Funeral Home. A luncheon will follow at the Parish Event Center at the church.

Donations may be made in Norm’s honor to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Inurnment: Holy Cross Cemetery